Halong Bay
Destinations / Asia / Vietnam / Tailor-Made Vietnam: North to South
BESPOKE LUXURY JOURNEY

Vietnam: Timeless Grace

Where ancient wisdom meets contemporary sophistication

Embark on a journey through a land where incense-perfumed temples whisper tales of dynasty and revolution, where colonial grandeur melds seamlessly with contemporary creativity, and where age-old traditions of acceptance embrace modern expressions of love. From Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter, where French shutters frame scenes of morning tai chi, to Ho Chi Minh City’s soaring skyscrapers reflecting centuries of resilience, Vietnam unfolds as a tapestry of sensory revelations. This carefully crafted eight-day exploration weaves through Vietnam’s most compelling landscapes, from the ethereal limestone pinnacles of Ha Long Bay to the lantern-lit charm of ancient Hoi An, where each moment is curated to reveal the profound beauty of a nation that has always celebrated diversity in its many forms.

Vietnam at a Glance

In Vietnam, tradition and progress dance an elegant duet, creating spaces where all forms of love find their expression. Hanoi’s French Quarter flourishes with design-forward cafés housed in colonial mansions, while the emerging art scene in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 showcases queer artists alongside traditional masters. The nation’s progressive spirit flows through its vibrant streets, where same-sex couples run everything from boutique hotels to innovative fusion restaurants.

Here, each season paints the landscape in distinct hues: summer brings dramatic monsoon showers that transform Hanoi’s lakes into mirrors of ancient pagodas, while winter drapes the northern mountains in ethereal mists. Spring heralds the return of temple festivals and open-air opera performances, while autumn gilds the Mekong Delta in golden light. In urban centres, Pride celebrations bring rainbow-coloured life to streets already vivid with contemporary art and fashion, whilst traditional festivals welcome all to share in centuries-old customs.

Currency icon

Currency

Đồng (VND)

Language icon

Language

Vietnamese

Visas icon

Visas

Canada and US citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam.

Best Time To Visit icon

Best Time To Visit

March – June

Timezone icon

Timezone

Indochina Time (GMT+7)

Homosexual Activity icon

Homosexual Activity

Legal

8-day Travel Itinerary

This meticulously crafted journey traverses Vietnam's most compelling landscapes, weaving together colonial elegance with contemporary sophistication. Begin in Hanoi, where French architectural grace meets the dynamism of modern Vietnam, before sailing through the limestone majesty of Ha Long Bay. The journey continues to Hoi An, where ancient trading heritage finds expression in boutique hotels and innovative cuisine. Finally, experience Ho Chi Minh City's compelling blend of wartime history and forward-thinking culture, where each day reveals new facets of Vietnam's enduring spirit.

DAY 1

Concentric circles icon

Hanoi | First Whispers of Colonial Grace

Arrive in Vietnam's captivating capital, where centuries of history pulse beneath tree-lined boulevards. After fast-track immigration assistance, your private transfer whisks you to the Sofitel Legend Metropole—a suggestion among Hanoi's finest hotels, where French colonial grandeur meets contemporary Vietnamese hospitality. As twilight approaches, let the city's rhythm seduce you with an evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying a signature cocktail in the hotel's historic bar where Graham Greene once found inspiration.

DAY 2

Concentric circles icon

Hanoi | Revolutionary Spirit Meets Timeless Grace

Morning light reveals Hanoi's soul through new eyes as your private guide weaves together tales of revolution and renewal. Begin at Ho Chi Minh's stilted house, where simplicity and sophistication find perfect balance, before discovering the One Pillar Pagoda rising like a lotus from its reflecting pool. After lunch featuring modern interpretations of traditional dishes, explore Hoa Lo Prison's powerful narrative of resilience. As afternoon mellows, experience the Old Quarter by vintage Vespa, where ancient guilds and contemporary artisans coexist in timeless harmony.

DAY 3

Concentric circles icon

Ha Long Bay | Nature's Theatre of Light and Shadow

Journey east to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, where limestone karsts pierce emerald waters like nature's own sculpture garden. Board your luxury vessel—perhaps the sophisticated Heritage Line Ginger—where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the bay's dramatic scenery. Sail past floating villages that have welcomed visitors for generations, before participating in an intimate cooking masterclass where traditional techniques meet contemporary presentation. As twilight approaches, find your perfect moment on the deck, champagne in hand, as the setting sun paints the karsts in hues of gold and purple.

Halong Bay Vietnam

DAY 4

Concentric circles icon

Ha Long Bay & Hoi An | From Maritime Majesty to Ancient Charm

Welcome the day with an optional sunrise tai chi session on deck, where ancient movement arts honour the bay's timeless beauty. After a gourmet breakfast, explore Frog Lake by kayak, gliding through hidden caves where the only sound is water against limestone. Return to Hanoi for your flight to Danang, followed by a scenic transfer to Hoi An. Consider the exquisite Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, where contemporary luxury honours Vietnamese architectural traditions through private villa accommodations facing the South China Sea.

DAY 5

Concentric circles icon

Hoi An | Where Heritage Whispers Through Lantern-Lit Streets

Begin in Tra Que Vegetable Village, where organic farming traditions thrive in harmony with contemporary sustainable practices. Return to Hoi An's UNESCO-protected old town, where your private guide reveals layers of history through the Japanese Covered Bridge, ancestral homes, and bustling silk markets. As evening approaches, the town transforms under thousands of lanterns, creating the perfect backdrop for dinner at one of the innovative restaurants helping establish Hoi An as Vietnam's emerging culinary capital.

DAY 6

Concentric circles icon

Ho Chi Minh City | Saigon's Sophisticated Soul

Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City, where colonial elegance meets contemporary energy in a mesmerising dance of old and new. Consider the Park Hyatt Saigon as your base, where French colonial grandeur provides a sophisticated haven in the heart of District 1. Spend the afternoon exploring the emerging art galleries and designer boutiques of this rapidly evolving metropolis, where creative expression finds new voice in converted heritage buildings.

DAY 7

Concentric circles icon

Ho Chi Minh City | Echoes of History, Whispers of Tomorrow

Morning reveals the Cu Chi tunnels, where your expert guide provides thoughtful context to this powerful testament to human resilience. Return to the city for lunch at a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant, before exploring the Reunification Palace and Historical Museum, where modernist architecture frames compelling narratives of nation-building. End your day with a visit to the architecturally stunning Cao Dai Temple, where Vietnam's indigenous faith celebrates inclusion and unity through its unique synthesis of world religions.

DAY 8

Concentric circles icon

Ho Chi Minh City | Dawn's Final Serenade

Experience the city's awakening through a morning rickshaw ride, pausing at Tao Dan Park's famous bird café, where the morning air fills with song. Pay respects at the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument, a powerful reminder of the struggle for religious freedom, before concluding your journey with Vietnam's finest pho—a fitting farewell to a nation where culinary excellence tells stories of cultural sophistication.

Concentric circles icon

Additional Recommended Experiences

Enhance your Vietnamese sojourn with carefully curated extensions that reveal the country's diverse character. Consider a luxury Mekong Delta cruise aboard the Aqua Mekong, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame life along Asia's rice bowl. Explore the emerging art scene of Hanoi's Tay Ho district with a local curator, or arrange private cooking workshops with LGBTQ+ chefs championing modern Vietnamese cuisine. Adventure seekers might choose to explore the dramatic landscapes of Ninh Binh by private seaplane, followed by a champagne picnic amidst ancient temples. For those seeking deeper cultural immersion, time your visit to coincide with Hanoi Pride, when the capital celebrates diversity against a backdrop of thousand-year-old tradition. Throughout the year, Vietnam offers exclusive experiences that match its cultural depth with sophisticated service, ensuring your journey creates memories as vivid as the landscapes themselves.

Transform Your Vietnam Dreams into Reality

Allow us to craft your bespoke Vietnam journey. Whether inspired by our curated itinerary or envisioning something entirely your own, we'll shape every moment to reflect your distinctive style and preferences.

icon

Personally crafted journey design

icon

Distinguished accommodations, thoughtfully selected

icon

Exclusive experiences and privileged access

icon

Expert local guides and cultural interpreters

icon

Private transfers with dedicated arrival service

Subscribe to our newsletter

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.

Discover the world's most exquisite escapes

Join Mr Hudson's inner circle for curated luxury travel experiences, exclusive perks, and insider access